Vehicle Load Securing Device with Integrated Ceiling Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load securing systems for vehicles require expensive cable stores in the ceiling area, limiting the available loading space in height due to the need for tension belts to run below the ceiling, and face issues with uncontrolled retraction of tension belts caused by spring-loaded mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves mounting deflection rollers within a hollow crossbar of the vehicle's ceiling, incorporating a tension spring and pulley system, with rope strands looping between pulley sets, and using a return brake to control retraction, allowing for space-saving tension belt guidance and full utilization of the loading space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cable stores are arranged in the ceiling area on both long sides of the vehicle body, then the tension belts can be guided properly, but the loading space in height is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension belt guidanceVSAvoidloading space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable store and deflection roller into a single integrated unit mounted in the corner area between the longitudinal wall and ceiling. This combination eliminates the need for separate cable stores in the ceiling area, allowing tension belts to be properly guided while preserving loading space height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent relocates the tension belt guidance system from the ceiling area (horizontal dimension) to the corner area (vertical-dimensional transition zone). By positioning the integrated unit in the corner where the longitudinal wall meets the ceiling, the system utilizes the vertical space more efficiently without encroaching on the horizontal loading area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If spring-loaded traction means are used to pull tension belts, then automatic retraction is achieved, but uncontrolled retraction may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic retractionVSAvoidcontrolled retraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tension belt itself provides control input to the brake device. When the tension belt becomes taut during loading, it actuates the brake device to automatically apply braking force, preventing uncontrolled retraction while maintaining automatic operation through the spring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The brake device serves as an intermediary between the spring-loaded traction means and the tension belt. It mediates the interaction by allowing controlled movement during tensioning while preventing uncontrolled retraction, thus ensuring reliable operation without eliminating automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If deflection rollers are mounted in the ceiling, then space-saving guidance is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading spaceVSAvoidceiling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the deflection roller with the cable store into a single integrated unit. This merger simplifies the overall structure by eliminating separate components and reducing the number of mounting points required in the ceiling area, thereby achieving space-saving guidance without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated unit in the corner area performs multiple functions: it houses the cable store, mounts the deflection roller, and incorporates the brake device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements in the ceiling, achieving space efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enables efficient and controlled tension belt guidance within the vehicle's ceiling area, ensuring safe and unobstructed loading space utilization while preventing uncontrolled retraction of the tension belts.

Implementation Method 1

a tension spring (22), in particular a helical spring, which is acted upon by a cable store (17) and can be displaced along the cross brace (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the brake lever (26) is pivoted with an increasing increase in the braking force against the rope strand (14) and the deflection pulley (16), so that the retraction of the cable strand (14) is stopped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3770013B1Vehicle body with a device for securing loads
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 EASY LOCK GMBH
  • EP3770013B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3770013B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A vehicle body with a load securing device is described, comprising a tensioning strap (10) attached to anchor points (11, 12) on opposite longitudinal sides of a loading platform (2) and equipped with a tensioning device (13), as well as a tensioning strap guide which has two cable runs (14) that can be extended against spring force from a cable storage unit (17) around deflection pulleys (16) in the corner area between the longitudinal walls (4, 5) and the ceiling (6) of the vehicle body (3) and which engage the tensioning strap (10) in a slidable manner.In order to obtain advantageous structural conditions, it is proposed that the two deflection pulleys (16) are mounted in a hollow cross member (7) of the ceiling (6), that the cross member (7) between the two deflection pulleys (16) accommodates a tension spring (22) and the rope storage unit (17), which has a rope pulley set (18, 19) acted upon by the tension spring (22), which is displaceable along the cross member (7) and which is held in the cross member (7) in a manner that prevents displacement, and that the two rope runs (14) form end sections of a rope (20) which is guided back and forth in a loop-forming manner between the two rope pulley sets (18, 19).